Anderson County 911 dispatchers got a comforting surprise in the mail this week, from colleagues thousands of miles away, who shared in the same devastating experience.

Two large boxes filled with snacks, notes of encouragement, patches, challenge coins and rubber ducks were sent last week by the Newtown, Connecticut, Emergency Communications Center.

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Anderson County Sheriff's Office

Newton dispatchers were the first to get the frantic calls on Dec. 14, 2012, when 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children between 6 and 7 years old, as well as six adult staff members.

During a Sept. 28 incident at Townville Elementary, Anderson County 911 dispatchers were the first to learn of the school shooting and were responsible for making sure all appropriate emergency personnel were dispatched and communication continued with those on the scene.

The shooting killed 6-year-old Jacob Hall, and injured another student and a teacher.

14-year-old Jesse Osborne faces a list of charges, including murder, in connection with the shooting. 14-year-old Jesse Osborne faces a list of charges, including murder, in connection with the shooting.

"We hope these boxes help make your days go by a little easier," said Newtown communications director Maureen Will. "The second box has our Sandy Hook ducks and you should have enough for each person," will said.

"(Our)911 dispatchers work behind the scenes at every emergency and often go unnoticed and unrecognized," the Anderson County release said. "The show of support from the Newton team was just one simple act of kindness from the first responder family that understands the daily challenge of taking a call and often not knowing the outcome of a situation."

"We give (the ducks) to you, as you are now part of our family and that’s one club no one wants to be a member of," Will said. "If you ever need me, you know where to find me."

Anderson County Emergency Services said its staff at the Unified Communications Center are grateful for the gesture, as well as for the outpouring of support from the community in the weeks since the incident.